Consumer Advocate · 7+ years in energy markets
Energy market veteran focused on making electricity shopping simple and transparent.
Live Texas Rates · April 2026
Top 3 flat-rate plans run 14.0¢–14.1¢/kWh.
⚠ Lowest advertised: 7.6¢/kWhBill-credit plans — only cheap near 1,000 kWh usage. Above or below that, you pay much more.
Rates are the energy portion only — add TDU delivery (~5-6¢/kWh) for total cost. Live data from ComparePower API at Oncor (Dallas), 1,000 kWh reference usage.
The Bottom Line
Gexa Energy is the best electricity company in Texas for most customers, offering competitive rates of 7.6-7.7¢/kWh all-in—well below the EIA Texas state average of 15.5¢/kWh—with 100% renewable energy options. For customers prioritizing customer service, TXU Energy and Reliant Energy consistently rank highest in J.D. Power satisfaction surveys. For 100% green energy, Green Mountain Energy has the longest track record since 1997. ElectricRates.org evaluated 26 Texas providers across pricing, customer service, plan flexibility, and transparency to compile these rankings.
Top-Rated Plans Available Now
Real-time rates from top Texas providers • Compare and switch
Gexa Energy
Best for Low rates & renewable energy
- Consistently among the lowest rates in Texas
- 100% renewable energy on all residential plans
- Owned by NextEra Energy (world's largest renewable producer)
- Simple, transparent pricing without complex tiers
Reliant Energy
Best for Customer service & rewards
- 90-day satisfaction guarantee - switch plans without ETF
- 24/7 customer support - one of few TX providers offering this
- NRG backing provides financial stability
- Reliant Perks rewards at local restaurants and retailers
Rhythm Energy
Best for competitive rates
- 100% renewable energy on all plans
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Excellent customer service ratings
- Modern app for account management
Green Mountain Energy
Best for 100% renewable energy
- 100% renewable energy since 1997 - longest track record in America
- Genuine environmental commitment (not just marketing)
- Austin-based company with Texas roots
- Month-to-month option for maximum flexibility
TXU Energy
Best for Plan variety & reliability
- 143 years in Texas electricity - unmatched track record
- Free Nights and Solar Days plans are genuinely innovative
- 60-day satisfaction guarantee lets you try before committing
- 24/7 customer support available
4Change Energy
Best for Charitable giving
- 4% of every bill donated to charity of your choice
- Competitive rates with bill credits
- Bill credits at 1000+ kWh reduce effective rate
- Dallas-based Texas company since 2012
Chariot Energy
Best for competitive rates
- 100% Texas solar-sourced renewable energy
- 2024 Retail Electricity Provider of the Year
- A+ BBB rating with transparent pricing
- Weekly usage reports for bill management
TriEagle Energy
Best for competitive rates
- Consistently low fixed rates
- Simple transparent pricing with no complex tiers
- Houston-based company since 2010
- Moderate early termination fee ($125)
Frontier Utilities
Best for Flexible terms
- Among the lowest rates in Texas
- Bilingual customer support (English/Spanish)
- No deposit options available
- Lower early termination fee ($100)
Champion Energy
Best for No-deposit plans
- Multiple J.D. Power awards for customer satisfaction
- Backed by Calpine (major power generator)
- A+ BBB rating and 5/5 PUCT rating
- Easy-to-read electricity bills
How Texas Electricity Choice Works
Texas deregulated its electricity market in 2002, allowing residents in most areas to choose their Retail Electric Provider (REP). Over 100 licensed REPs compete for customers across the Oncor (Dallas/Fort Worth), CenterPoint (Houston), and AEP/TNMP service territories. Your local utility still delivers the electricity—the REP only handles billing and the energy supply contract.
ElectricRates.org analyzed pricing data from the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), customer reviews from the Better Business Bureau, and J.D. Power satisfaction ratings to rank Texas electricity companies. The top providers—including Gexa Energy, TXU Energy, Reliant Energy, and Green Mountain Energy—stand out for different reasons: low rates, excellent service, renewable options, or plan flexibility.
Best Electricity Providers in Dallas (Oncor Territory)
Dallas residents in the Oncor service area have access to 100+ electricity providers. Oncor handles the wires and outage response regardless of which provider you choose, so your delivery reliability stays the same.
Oncor's delivery charges run about 3.5-4.0¢/kWh on top of your energy rate. That means a provider advertising 7¢/kWh works out to roughly 11¢/kWh all-in. Always compare the total rate on the Electricity Facts Label (EFL), not the advertised energy charge.
Top Dallas Provider Picks
- Best overall rates: Gexa Energy and Frontier Utilities frequently offer the lowest all-in fixed rates in Oncor territory.
- Best customer service: TXU Energy has the largest local presence with Dallas-area payment centers and 24/7 phone support.
- Best for green energy: Green Mountain Energy offers 100% Texas wind and solar plans at rates within 1-2¢ of conventional plans.
- Best for no deposit: Payless Power and other prepaid providers start service with no credit check.
Enter your Dallas ZIP code above to see current rates. Plans and pricing change daily, so what's cheapest today may differ next week.
Best Electricity Providers in Houston (CenterPoint Territory)
Houston's CenterPoint Energy territory is the state's largest deregulated market. CenterPoint delivery charges average about 4.0-4.5¢/kWh, slightly higher than Oncor.
Top Houston Provider Picks
- Best overall rates: Gexa Energy consistently competes on price in CenterPoint territory.
- Best customer service: Reliant Energy is Houston-based with the strongest local presence, rewards program, and NRG Stadium sponsorship.
- Best for reliability concerns: After Winter Storm Uri (2021) and Hurricane Beryl (2024), many Houston customers prioritize providers with storm-ready communication. Reliant and TXU send proactive outage alerts and have dedicated storm response pages.
- Best for renewable energy: Green Mountain Energy offers 100% wind and solar plans, while several smaller providers offer partial-renewable options at lower rates.
Best Green Energy Electricity Providers in Texas (2026)
Texas generates more wind power than any other state and is rapidly expanding solar. Several providers offer 100% renewable plans at rates competitive with conventional electricity. You don't pay more for clean energy in Texas the way you might in other states.
| Provider | % Renewable | Sources | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Mountain Energy | 100% | TX wind & solar | Oldest US retail green energy provider (since 1997) |
| Gexa Energy | 100% | TX wind | Often the cheapest 100% renewable option |
| Chariot Energy | 100% | TX solar | Solar-focused with buyback plans for solar owners |
| 4Change Energy | 100% | TX wind | Donates to charity with every plan |
Clean energy plans in Texas are priced within 0.5-2.0¢/kWh of conventional plans. For a home using 1,000 kWh/month, that's $5-20/month for 100% renewable. Many green plans are actually cheaper than conventional alternatives from the same provider. See our full green energy guide.
Best Electricity Providers for Seniors & Fixed-Income Households
If you're on a fixed income or retired, predictability matters more than chasing the absolute lowest rate. Here's what to look for:
- Fixed-rate plans (12-24 months): Lock in your rate so it doesn't change with the market. TXU, Reliant, and Gexa all offer long-term fixed plans. Budget billing from your provider spreads costs evenly across months so summer doesn't spike your bill.
- Avoid variable-rate plans: Your rate changes monthly with market conditions. One hot summer could double your bill unexpectedly.
- Look for no-ETF plans: Some providers offer plans with no early termination fee, giving you flexibility to switch if circumstances change.
- Autopay discounts: Most providers offer 1-3¢/kWh discounts for autopay enrollment. On 1,000 kWh/month, that's $10-30 saved annually.
- Texas LITE-UP discount: Low-income Texas households can qualify for a 10-17% discount on delivery charges through the PUCT's LITE-UP program.
Best Providers for EV Owners & Smart Homes
Charging an EV at home adds 300-500 kWh/month to your electricity usage. That pushes you into higher usage tiers where certain plan structures save more money.
- Free nights plans: Charge your EV overnight for free. TXU's Free Nights and similar plans work well if you charge between 9 PM and 6 AM.
- High-usage fixed plans: At 1,500+ kWh/month, look for plans with the lowest rate at the 2,000 kWh usage level on the EFL.
- Solar buyback plans: If you have solar panels, providers like Chariot Energy and Green Mountain buy back your excess generation at competitive rates.
- Smart thermostat programs: TXU, Reliant, and others offer bill credits ($20-85/summer) for letting them adjust your thermostat during peak grid events.
Texas Electricity Provider Reliability Rankings
Your electricity reliability doesn't depend on your REP. It depends on your TDU (Transmission and Distribution Utility). Oncor, CenterPoint, AEP Texas, and TNMP own the poles and wires and handle all outage response. Switching providers doesn't change your reliability one bit.
What your provider does control: billing accuracy, customer service responsiveness, and how they communicate during outages. The PUCT tracks complaints per customer for every licensed provider.
Provider Complaint Rates (Lower = Better)
Based on PUCT complaint data per 10,000 customers:
- Best complaint record: TXU Energy, Reliant Energy, and Green Mountain consistently have the lowest complaint rates among major providers.
- Watch out for: Very small or new providers sometimes have higher complaint rates per customer, though this can be skewed by small sample sizes.
- Storm communication: After Hurricane Beryl (2024), providers that sent proactive outage updates (Reliant, TXU) scored significantly higher in customer satisfaction than those that went silent.
Best Texas Electricity Providers Summary
| Provider | Rating | Avg Rate | Best For | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gexa | 4.5 /5 | 10.8¢ | Consistently among the lowest rates in Texas | View Gexa Plans |
| Reliant | 4.4 /5 | 13.2¢ | 90-day satisfaction guarantee - switch plans without ETF | View Reliant Plans |
| Rhythm | 4.4 /5 | 11.2¢ | 100% renewable energy on all plans | View Rhythm Plans |
| Green Mountain | 4.3 /5 | 13.2¢ | 100% renewable energy since 1997 - longest track record in America | View Green Mountain Plans |
| TXU | 4.2 /5 | 13.5¢ | 143 years in Texas electricity - unmatched track record | View TXU Plans |
| 4Change | 4.1 /5 | 10.5¢ | 4% of every bill donated to charity of your choice | View 4Change Plans |
Find the Best Provider for Your Address
Enter your ZIP code to see real-time rates from providers in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best electricity company in Texas?
The best electricity company in Texas depends on your priorities. For lowest rates, look for providers offering under 10¢/kWh all-in. For customer service, TXU Energy and Reliant consistently rank high. For green energy, Green Mountain Energy is the leading choice. For no-deposit options, prepaid providers like Payless Power offer flexibility. Compare plans at your specific address since availability and rates vary by location.
Who has the cheapest electricity rates in Texas?
The cheapest electricity rates in Texas change daily based on wholesale market conditions. As of 2026, competitive fixed rates from providers like Gexa Energy and smaller REPs range from 7.6-7.7¢/kWh all-in. For comparison, the U.S. Energy Information Administration reports the Texas state average at 15.5¢/kWh—meaning active shoppers can save 25-40% versus the default utility rate. Always compare the "all-in" price on the Electricity Facts Label (EFL), not just the advertised energy charge.
What is a good electricity rate in Texas?
According to EIA data, the Texas state average is 15.5¢/kWh, but that includes people on default utility rates, expired contracts, and variable plans who don't actively shop. Competitive shoppers can find all-in rates of 7.6-7.7¢/kWh—25-40% below the state average. Under 10¢/kWh is excellent. 10-12¢/kWh is good. 12-14¢/kWh is average for shoppers. Over 14¢/kWh means better options exist. Always compare all-in rates including TDU delivery fees.
What is the best electric company in Houston?
The best electric company in Houston (CenterPoint territory) depends on your needs. For low rates, compare offers from multiple providers as prices vary daily. For reliability and customer service, Reliant and TXU Energy are popular choices with strong local presence. For green energy, Green Mountain Energy offers 100% renewable plans. Enter your Houston ZIP code to see current rates from all available providers.
What is the best electric company in Dallas?
In Dallas and the Oncor service area, you have access to 100+ electricity providers. The best company depends on your priorities—lowest price, best customer service, or green energy options. Popular choices include TXU Energy for service reliability, Gexa Energy for competitive rates, and Green Mountain for renewable energy. Compare current rates by entering your Dallas ZIP code.
Which Texas electricity company has the best customer service?
TXU Energy and Reliant consistently rank highest for customer service in Texas based on J.D. Power Electric Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Studies and customer reviews. They offer extensive customer support, user-friendly apps, and physical payment locations. Smaller providers may offer lower rates but often have limited customer service hours and options. Consider customer service ratings alongside price when choosing a provider.
Are big electricity companies better than small ones in Texas?
Not necessarily. Large companies like TXU and Reliant offer better customer service, more plan options, and brand recognition, but often charge higher rates. Smaller providers frequently offer the lowest prices but may have limited customer support. Your electricity delivery (poles, wires, outage response) comes from your TDU regardless of which provider you choose, so reliability is the same.
What electricity company has no deposit in Texas?
Several Texas electricity companies offer no-deposit options: prepaid/pay-as-you-go providers (Payless Power, Prepaid Lights), companies that waive deposits with autopay enrollment, and traditional providers for customers with good credit. Prepaid plans are the most accessible option since they require no credit check and no deposit—just an upfront payment to start service.
What is the best green energy electricity company in Texas?
Green Mountain Energy is the most established 100% renewable electricity provider in Texas, offering wind and solar plans since 1997. Gexa Energy, Chariot Energy, and Rhythm Energy also offer competitive green plans, often at rates matching or beating conventional electricity. Look for plans backed by Texas wind farm RECs. Some providers offer 100% renewable at no premium over fossil fuel rates.
What is the best electricity company for seniors in Texas?
Seniors on fixed incomes should prioritize fixed-rate plans (12-24 months) to avoid bill surprises. TXU Energy and Reliant offer senior-friendly features like paper billing, phone support, and physical payment locations. Prepaid plans from Payless Power work well for low-usage seniors since you only pay for what you use. Texas also offers LITE-UP discounts for income-qualifying seniors.
What is the best electricity company in Dallas-Fort Worth?
Dallas-Fort Worth is served by Oncor, which delivers power regardless of your retail provider. With 100+ providers competing in Oncor territory, DFW shoppers typically find some of the lowest rates in Texas. Top-rated options include Gexa Energy for low rates, TXU Energy for customer service (headquartered in Dallas), and Green Mountain for renewable energy. Enter your DFW ZIP code to compare current rates from all available providers.
Do I need a special electricity plan for my EV or Tesla in Texas?
You don't need a special plan, but time-of-use (TOU) plans or free nights plans can cut EV charging costs significantly. Charging overnight on a free nights plan means your EV fuel cost drops to just TDU delivery charges, roughly 3-4¢/kWh. TXU Energy, Gexa Energy, and Rhythm Energy offer TOU plans that reward off-peak charging. Smart home users can automate charging schedules to maximize savings.
Which Texas electricity companies are most reliable during storms?
Your electricity delivery reliability depends on your TDU (Oncor, CenterPoint, AEP Texas, TNMP), not your retail provider. All retail providers deliver power through the same wires. However, provider reliability matters for billing accuracy, customer service during outages, and contract terms. Check the PUCT complaint scorecard to compare providers by complaint rates per customer.
How ElectricRates.org Ranks Texas Electricity Companies
ElectricRates.org evaluates Texas electricity providers using a weighted scoring system across five categories:
- Customer Satisfaction (30%) — Based on J.D. Power Electric Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study, BBB ratings, and verified customer reviews.
- Pricing Competitiveness (25%) — Analysis of current rates from PUCT's Power to Choose database at 500, 1,000, and 2,000 kWh usage levels.
- Contract Flexibility (20%) — Variety of plan types (fixed, variable, prepaid, free nights), term lengths, and early termination policies.
- Company Track Record (15%) — Years in business, PUCT complaint history, and financial stability indicators.
- Billing Transparency (10%) — Clarity of Electricity Facts Labels (EFL), hidden fees, and customer-reported billing accuracy.
Data Sources: Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), Power to Choose, Better Business Bureau, J.D. Power, and direct provider disclosures.
Last updated February 16, 2026. For complete details, see our full methodology.